Meyer Burger signs $15m deal for PERC cell tooling upgrade
Existing Asian customer places order for the Swiss firm’s MAiA 2.1 upgrade cell coating platform. Delivery and commissioning expected in second quarter of the year.
Sweden may launch probe into building permits for PV
The Swedish government has signalled plans to start discussions on implementing regulatory changes that could allow homeowners to install PV modules without first obtaining a special permit.
UK: Lightsource connects 50 MW of new solar capacity ahead of ROC deadline
The leading British solar energy developer has connected 14 new solar parks in England, Scotland and Wales well ahead of the March 31 deadline for 1.2 ROC eligibility.
SMA announces “major hiring push” in California, U.S. Northeast
The inverter giant’s expansion plans are a response to what it says are favorable market conditions. In addition, the company is introducing new products to the U.S. market, including solutions for battery storage.
Europe’s largest bifacial installation under construction in the Netherlands
PV equipment supplier Tempress has announced the beginning of construction on a 400 kW installation close to its headquarters in the Netherlands, which will be the largest in Europe to feature glass-glass bifacial modules.
Four more Chinese solar manufacturers withdraw from minimum price agreement
Jetion Solar, Hareon Solar and GCL Technology requested to withdraw from the minimum price agreement in October. The three companies, as well as Talesun Solar, are now excluded by Brussels from the undertaking.
Engie issues €1.5 billion green bond, eyes Belgian residential PV segment
The French energy giant has issued its second green bond to sustain its expansion into the renewable energy sector. The €1.5 billion bond will also be used to finance solar projects. Meanwhile, the company has started to target the Belgian commercial PV market.
EDF to deploy 23.7 MW of solar in France, creates storage unit in North America
The French energy giant keeps expanding into the renewable energy business. Its France-based unit EDF Energies Nouvelles will build PV plants totaling 23.7 MW, while its US division EDF EN has created a new subsidiary for distributed solar and storage projects up to 30 MW.
EBRD commits €300 million to Greece’s renewables
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has announced a framework committing up to €300 million of new financing for Greece’s renewable energy sector. The timing is crucial, since the Greek electricity sector is expected to undergo fundamental changes very soon.
“We should work all together for the future of energy”
Interview: SolarPower Europe has appointed Wacker Chemie’s Christian Westermeier as new president. pv magazine spoke with the outgoing president Oliver Schäfer about the reasons behind his unexpected resignation and the future of PV and the energy market in Europe.
